'Twas the night before Christmas

Tonight was a special night. I picked up Sullivan from school, came home, took a quick bath and 20 minutes of mom time, then came downstairs and cooked Sullivan Chef Boyardee ABC's and 123's at his request. Don't judge, it didn't kill me, lol. He is quite proud of how well he can get the letters and meatballs on the spoon (and so am I).  

Then we watched a little TV, snuggled on the couch, he played with my phone and the iPad, started the fire, typical normal evening.

Sullivan then went to Martin and said "night night". Martin was like he's ready for bed! So I asked him- and he said Night Night. Well ok then! That is such a huge deal! He used his words to tell us what he wanted! Then, as we were going up the stairs, he stopped to say "night night" to the Christmas tree,

the dogs, Etc etc... When we got upstairs, one more thing he did was after his tubby, he was draining the water, and he looked at the drain and said "bye bye" and waved at the drain. 😂 it was so funny. It was all I could do to get out "yes, tell the water goodbye". (Then I promptly texted his teachers lol).  I don't have to remind you again how big of a deal this is. 

But at bedtime, as we climbed up in our big cushy chair to snuggle and drink his milk, I decided to get out something to share with him from my childhood. Mom had given me my 'Twas the night before Christmas book to read to Sullivan. We opened the big book and started to read. He LOVED it! He listened to each word as I read it charismatically, and pointed out Santa. The familiar pictures and words brought back such wonderful memories that I am so thankful and happy to share with my own baby.  These small moments are so important. Times like these are what makes life magical. It's what being a mom is all about. It makes it all absolutely worth it. It was nice to have some peace tonight with my son. 

As we roll into Thanksgiving week, and then start the holiday season, lets all take a little time to savor each other and what we all probably take for granted each day. Let's be thankful for our health, shelter, and food on our table. Thankful that we are all together safe and sound. Thankful for the knowledge and skills that our educators and therapists have to teach our children. 

I also ask you to challenge yourself to do something out of the ordinary for a stranger. Pay for the single mom's gas or her groceries. Buy the car behind you'd coffee in the drive through. Take a meal to an elderly person. Have a friend over for no reason. Tell people in your life that you love them. Out loud. Mean it. Give real hugs. Love each other. 

Nikki